Brienzer Rothorn

Brienzer Rothorn is a 2,350 m summit rising above the town of Brienz in Switzerland. It is the tallest peak in the Emmental Alps and looks down on Lake Brienz from the south shore. The mountain sits where the cantons of Bern, Obwalden and Lucerne meet, and most visitors reach the top on a vintage steam-powered cog railway.

What can you see from the top?

Two very different landscapes sit on either side of the ridge. To the south, the turquoise water of Lake Brienz stretches out beneath the snowy Bernese Alps. To the north, the ground falls away into the Waldemme valley and the soft green hills of the Entlebuch region. Tannhorn lies to the west, while Arnihaaggen, Höch Gumme and the Brünig Pass are to the east. The contrast between the steep southern flank and the gentle north is what makes the panorama special.

How do you get to Brienzer Rothorn?

The classic route is the Brienz Rothorn Bahn. The line is 7.6 km long and starts in Brienz at lake level. The ride to the summit takes a little over an hour. Halfway up, the train pauses at Planalp so the locomotive can take on water, and passengers can step out for photos. Steam trains run daily through the summer season, roughly from early June to late October, so check the timetable before you plan your day. Seats are limited, so reserving ahead is wise at peak times.

Hikers can climb from the surrounding valleys, for example from the Arnischwand hut side. Expect a full day with significant elevation gain.

What is there to do at the summit?

A mountain inn (Berghaus) stands by the top station, serving Swiss dishes and offering rooms. Staying overnight lets you watch sunrise over the lake. Short walks follow the ridge from the station, and many people hike down to an intermediate stop and take the train back.

When should you visit?

Clear days between June and September are best, when the railway is running and the paths are free of snow. Mornings usually give better visibility, as clouds often build in the afternoon. It is always cooler at the top than by the lake, so pack a warm layer and a windproof jacket.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the train ride? The trip from Brienz to the summit takes just over an hour. With time at the top and the return, plan at least three hours.

Does the railway run all year? No. The steam trains operate seasonally, from early summer until the end of October, and stop outside those dates.

Do I need to book a ticket in advance? A seat reservation is not compulsory, but on weekends and fine days it secures your place on the train.

Which canton is Brienzer Rothorn in? The summit lies where Bern, Obwalden and Lucerne meet, while the starting town, Brienz, belongs to the canton of Bern.